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The City of Las Vegas invites the community to celebrate Black History Month with a variety of events Jan. 16 - March 5, 2022. Some of this year’s events will be virtual and those that are not will follow all safety guidelines, including social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.
Peace Week 2022: Extending the Dream Celebration
“Inspiring the Movement through Change”
Sunday, Jan. 16, 3 to 5 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Peace Week 2022 will honor, pay tribute and celebrate the life, legacy and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For more information, call the West Las Vegas Library at 702-507-3989 or the Doolittle Senior Center at 702-229-6125.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth League Basketball Tournament
Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 20-22; 4 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.
Free and open to selected schools and youth programs.
Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St.
A single-elimination youth basketball tournament will be held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Participants will qualify through their respective schools or youth programs. For additional information, contact Willie Dunn at 702-229-6374 or Savonta Manor at 702-229-1642.
“A Focus on Portraits,” an African American Heritage Exhibition
Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Jan. 20-April 14, 2022; closed Friday-Sunday and holidays.
Free and open to the public
Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main St., second floor.
In celebration of Black History Month, and beyond, the annual African American Heritage Exhibition this year will focus on portraiture, featuring the work of several local Las Vegas artists. Curated by the visual arts staff of the city of Las Vegas, this year’s exhibition includes work from established artists previously exhibited, as well as new artists who are exhibiting for the first time with the city of Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.ArtsLasVegas.org or call 702-229-ARTS (2787).
Las Vegas My Brother’s Keeper Alliance 6th Annual Conference:
Monday-Tuesday, Jan. 24-25, 8 a.m. to noon each day.
Free and open to the public; online event registration is required.
This is a virtual event.
The Las Vegas My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is hosting a free, two-day virtual conference with national experts, legislators, school administrators, law enforcement, educators, social services providers, clinicians, advocates and other community stakeholders. This is an action-focused convening to discuss educational equity, racial justice, adults as youth allies, and critical education policy issues. The Las Vegas My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is a cross-sectoral collaborative comprised of three task forces that work to engage the community, promote optimal educational outcomes and improve law enforcement systems and programs. Online registration is required at https://cityoflasvegas.link/LVMBK2022. For more information, call 702-229-4075.
African American Trailblazer Service Awards
Tuesday, Feb. 1, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Free and open to the public, but space is limited and advance RSVP is required.
Las Vegas City Hall Council Chambers, 495 S. Main St., second floor.
Join in honoring African American leaders in the Las Vegas community that have made significant contributions to the vibrant fabric of the city. Contact Hallema Bailey West at 702-229-3401 to RSVP.
Sixth Annual Generation-2-Generation Old School Ball Game
Saturday, Feb. 5, noon.
Free and open to the public.
Kianga Isoke Palacio Park, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Come cheer on the youth of East Palo Alto Pitching as they take on a group of adults in a fun-filled softball game. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served while supplies last. For more information, call Savonta Manor at 702-229-1642 or Stephanie Lowery at 702-229-6125.
Good Time Catfish Fry
Thursday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m.
Cost: $10 lunch per person.
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St.
Register in advance to enjoy this old-fashioned fish fry — a time to gather, socialize and enjoy food that nourishes the soul. Space is limited; call 702-229-6125 for information and registration.
“Second Annual Sharing the History of Black Firefighters in Southern Nevada”
Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.
Free and open to the public.
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St.
Presented by the Westside School Alumni, this is a multi-jurisdictional celebration of the contributions Black firefighters have made to the Las Vegas valley. Included are a 30-minute educational forum, unveiling of the historic photo exhibit and unguided tour of the photo gallery. Refreshments will be served during the forum. Call 702-229-6125 for more information.
VIP and Me Dance
Saturday, Feb. 12, 3 p.m.
Cost: $20 per couple; $10 each additional child.
Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St.
Children and their VIP can dance the afternoon away! Participants are encouraged to dress up in their favorite “fancy” outfits. Event includes dancing, light refreshments and photo booth pictures. Event is recommended for, but not limited to, children ages 4-11 and their VIP.
Mid-Day Inspirational Showcase & Luncheon
Tuesday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.
Free showcase is open to the public; $10 luncheon tickets.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd. for showcase.
Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St. for luncheon.
This 43rd annual Mid-Day Inspirational Showcase features singing, dancing, poetry and guest speakers. A soul food brunch at the community center follows the showcase. To purchase luncheon tickets, call 702-229-6125; tickets will be on sale until Feb. 8.
Heart of Black History Contest
Entries due by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18
Free and open to the public.
East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave.
Grab your pen, your computer, paint brush or any other media and submit your entry into the 2022 Black History Month essay/media contest. Be creative! Write an essay, create a storyboard, diorama, painting, PowerPoint or any other creative idea to share your view. Pick a person from Black history who has inspired you the most and highlight him/her. Storyboards can be 30” x 40” (standard foamboard size). If you choose to create a PowerPoint, please submit it on a flash drive. Submit your Heart of Black History Contest entry by Friday, Feb. 18, before 5 p.m. First-, second- and third-place winners will be awarded in each division. For more information and entry form, call the center at 702-229-1515.
Black Weekend 2022: Kemet in the Desert Series
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 18-19, 7 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
The ninth annual Black Weekend: Kemet in the Desert Lecture Series in recognition of Black History Month is co-presented with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Caesars Entertainment, KCEP FM Power 88.1, 100 Black Men of Las Vegas, KUNV FM 91.5 and Platinum Productions, and directed and produced by Oscar Robinson. Dr. Jollie Harris will be the keynote speaker Friday evening on the topic “God’s Way to Heal a Virus.” Saturday’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Anthony “Tony” Browder addressing “Remembering the Giants: John Henrik Clarke, Frances Cress Welsing, Asa G. Hillard and Patricia Newton.” There will also be a special tribute to Dr. Runoko Rashidi. The event is held in honor of Kemet in the Desert founder Franklyn G. Verley III. For more information, call 702-229-ARTS (2787) or visit www.ArtsLasVegas.org.
Night of Expressions Youth Talent Showcase
Saturday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza, 720 Twin Lakes Drive.
Enjoy an afternoon showcase featuring multitalented local youth and young adults in honor of Black History Month. Participants will sing, dance, act, make music and make spoken word performances. Those ages 8-22 who have a talent they would like to share should contact Willie Henderson at 702-229-2473 for more information.
Sankofa Communiversity Program
African American Cultural Series
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2 to 4 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
This program will focus on the contributions of the father of Black history, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The event will include a chautauqua on the life of Dr. Woodson and will be facilitated by Dr. Al Gourrier. The event is co-sponsored by the Samuel L. Smith Educational Foundation. For more information, call 702-229-ARTS (2787) or visit www.ArtsLasVegas.org.
Continuing the Legacy of Dance Concert Series
Co-presented with the Contemporary West Dance Theatre’s ArtsWork
Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m.
Admission is pay-what-you-wish.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S Brush St.
Continuing the celebration of Black History beyond the month of February, Artist-in-Residence Contemporary West Dance Theatre’s ArtsWork dance training program for youth with aspirations for a professional career in dance, will present an evening of performance featuring the work of African American choreographers, musicians and dancers. For more information about the performances and ArtsWork class enrollment, visit www.ArtsLasVegas.org or call 702-229-ARTS (2787).
Source: City of Las Vegas
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